Bossier Parish Police Juror Rick Avery pleads guilty to misdemeanor DWI

Bossier Parish Police Juror Rickey Avery pleaded guilty as charged to first-offense DWI Wednesday in Bossier District Court in Benton.

Avery, who was prosecuted by the Caddo Parish District Attorney's office to prevent a possible conflict of interest due to his elected position, was arrested for DWI on Dec. 17, 2018, in Bossier Parish after veering into the oncoming lane of a Bossier Parish sheriff's deputy.

Avery, 60, of Bossier City, emitted the strong odor of alcohol, was unsteady on his feet, had slightly slurred speech and later admitted to consuming alcohol that day, in addition to prescription narcotics.

Avery's guilty plea was made before 26th Judicial District Judge Mike Craig. Avery was sentenced to six months in the parish jail (suspended), to serve six months active supervised probation and pay a $300 fine.

He also must participate in a drug and driver improvement program.

In 2016, Avery was taken into custody in Bossier City on suspicion of DWI, but was released later that night with no charges filed. That incident cost one officer his job and another was suspended.

Avery also was videotaped using a racial slur during the course of the 2016 incident.

Bossier District Attorney Schuyler Marvin dismissed that case, but this time recused his office from prosecuting Avery.

Avery was prosecuted by Caddo Parish Assistant District Attorney Sam Crichton. He was defended by Lyn Lawrence.

Avery, who stepped down as Police Jury president following the 2016 incident, has declined to seek re-election. Chris Marsiglia and Greg Nichols are the two candidates seeking the seat from Avery.